Kongsberg Maritime, a global leader in marine technology, has unveiled an innovative Mission Bay Handling System designed specifically for naval ships. Leveraging over 80 years of experience in providing cutting-edge solutions for the naval market, this new system sets a new standard in mission versatility and adaptability.
Meeting the Evolving Needs of Naval Operations
Naval forces are entering a new era where surface combatants are expected to carry a diverse range of manned and unmanned off-board vehicles and modular mission packages. To address these evolving demands, the Mission Bay Handling System has been meticulously designed to offer a highly adaptable and flexible integration solution suitable for a wide array of naval operations, both current and future.
Efficient Deployment and Recovery for Manned and Unmanned Craft
One of the standout features of the Mission Bay Handling System is its ability to efficiently deploy and recover both manned and unmanned crafts. It accommodates various hull types and propulsion configurations, enabling smooth operations from both sides of the ship. In today’s rapidly changing battlespace, naval forces require flexibility and multi-purpose ships, making Kongsberg Maritime’s Mission Bay Handling System a key transformational tool for enhancing naval capability.
Modularity in Naval Operations
Robert Breivik, Kongsberg’s Senior Sales Manager – Naval, highlights the importance of modularity in naval operations, emphasizing that modern navies seek platforms that can easily transform to meet mission requirements. The days of ships dedicated to a limited range of tasks are over, as the global security landscape evolves rapidly with urgent requirements in areas like underwater surveillance and monitoring of seabed utility assets such as pipelines and cables.
Versatile Components of the System
The Mission Bay Handling System comprises three key elements:
- Overhead Frame System: This component features a standardized interface with the ship, including rails and an ‘interface unit’ that connects to various interchangeable tools, allowing quick tool changes without altering the core of the handling system. It offers both single and dual rail systems, with capacities of up to 12 tonnes. The Frame System is securely fixed to the deck above the mission bay, enabling the suspension and easy movement of in-sea assets from their storage spaces.
- Multi-Purpose Hangar Crane: Capable of handling 10′ and 20′ ISO containers weighing up to 15 tonnes, this crane offers 360-degree rotation and extends to the water level. It excels in rapidly deploying and retrieving daughter craft weighing up to 10 tonnes. Breivik notes that this crane, with its extensive experience in similar systems developed for subsea, oceanographic, and research ships, not only possesses impressive capabilities but also provides navies with versatile options. It can handle cargo in standard shipping containers and seamlessly switch to deploying subsea and surface craft.
- Auxiliary Equipment: In addition to the two primary handling systems, various auxiliary equipment is available to complement operations, including a Deck Skid System, containerized launch and recovery systems, cargo handling crane for containers, and an overhead auxiliary crane for lighter loads.
Key Benefits of the Mission Bay Handling System
- Clean Deck: The system ensures a clear deck with no permanent tripping hazards or obstacles, enhancing safety during operations.
- Modularity: Built from an interchangeable suite of flexible handling systems, allowing naval vessels to adapt to diverse mission requirements.
- Adaptive: Designed to fit hangars with different dimensions and shapes, accommodating various ship configurations.
- Time and Cost Savings: The system simplifies mobilization and demobilization processes, eliminating the need for costly rebuilds between each mission setup.
Kongsberg Maritime’s Mission Bay Handling System represents a major leap forward in enhancing naval capabilities. Its unmatched adaptability, efficiency, and safety ensure that naval forces are well-prepared to address the challenges of modern maritime warfare and security.
